EVENTFUL EXCURSION

I had been  to Binsar in Uttarakhand with my family around 9 -10 years back.

We had hired a car from Delhi for our entire tour. We were going stay there for a week.  After two days of our stay and local sightseeing we enquired with staff if they could suggest some places worth visiting. It was only then when we came to know about this place Patal Bhuvaneshwar in Pithoragarh district. 

It was far from resort, approximately 4 hours one way journey .We decided to visit the place. Next  day we started  at around 7 am, so that we could return by evening . 

After taking few halts for tea and breakfast and taking timely directions from the locals, we reached the small village Bhuvaneshwar by 12 noon.

The mystifying place is in the midst of dense cedar and oak forest. It offers a spectacular view of Panchachuli peaks, a group of five snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

 We then headed towards the cave.

After fulfilling all the necessary formalities like paying the entry fees, removing shoes, surrendering our cameras etc. we decided to hire a guide. We followed the guide towards the entrance of a deep limestone cave. Tourists were allowed to enter the cave in batches or small groups, as the entrance and exit of the cave were the same, a narrow tunnel like passage. We had to wait for our turn; there were metal chains on both the sides for support to descend steep, uneven, slippery steps .It was like entering the earth’s core. 

It is not just one cave but a series of interconnected caves and are electrically illuminated . It is believed to have enshrined Lord Shiva and 33 crores (330 million) Gods. There are several stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues. The guide was giving us information of the caves, different depictions and stories related to them in Hindu mythology. It is a fascinating place and a must visit spot when in Kumaon region.

Listening to the evocative descriptions, lost in the antiquity we came out of the mysterious cave. After that we freshened up and started looking out for descent restaurant but, to our disappointment, there were very few eating options in that area. So we enquired with shopkeepers if there was any place where we can get good food. They suggested a good Dhaba however, it was on the outskirts of the village and not on our way back. We all were hungry enough, that we went on hunting for that Dhaba , it took nearly an hour to reach that place.

 After finishing our food we took directions from the owner and started our return journey. It was evening by the time we reached the main road. The saffron hue of the sky warned us…

 ‘The journey ahead is not going to be easy’.

Slowly we left human habitation behind and were on the lonely road which led to the forest that we had to cross.

After sometime we discovered that we had lost our way…

No network, no map to follow!! 

The forest seemed never ending. The rustling of leaves, chilly breeze and howling of wolves made it even more scary. The beautiful hills and charming valleys during day had become ominous as the darkness grew. 

Our car was moving slowly and suddenly the driver stopped we looked in front, we saw a leopard crossing the road, it disappeared into the forest in the blink of an eye. We were petrified by the sight of the leopard. All we could do is just pray for 'reaching any human settlement ‘as soon as possible. 

After traveling for another 20 minutes we saw the first signboard for our resort and we all heaved a sigh of relief. We further followed the directions and then it was easy for us. We reached our resort after 45 minutes at around 11: 30 pm. 

Looking back, when I remember that day, I think we shouldn’t have traveled so late, instead should have spent that night in some hotel.

‘What an eventful day it was!!’

We were fortunate enough to find the way out of the forest and safely reach our resort to sleep peacefully. 

Thank you God for helping us….

Yes ‘Miracles do happen!!!’